General Awareness ยท Social Science

Indian Music and Instruments

2,230 Questions

Indian music and instruments encompass a rich variety of traditional percussion, string, and wind tools used across regional cultures. This collection features questions on folk drums, devotional instruments, and classical accompaniments. It is a crucial Art and Culture topic for SSC, UPSC, and State PSC exams.

Traditional folk drumsDevotional music instrumentsClassical dance accompanimentPercussion instrumentsRegional musical instruments

Indian Music and Instruments Questions

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to provide rhythmic and melodic accompaniment in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

  4. Nattuvangam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is played with the hands and is used to provide both rhythmic and melodic accompaniment in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a metal plate with a stick?

  1. Ghatam

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

  4. Kanjira
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Ghatam is a clay pot that is played by striking it with a stick and is commonly used in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking a metal disc with a stick?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

  4. Kanjira
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Kanjira is a small frame drum with a metal disc in the center that is played by striking it with a stick and is commonly used in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Kathakali performances are traditionally accompanied by live music played on which instruments?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Kathakali performances are accompanied by live music played on instruments like the tabla, sitar, and mridangam.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used in Odissi music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

  4. Pakhawaj
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Pakhawaj is a percussion instrument commonly used in Odissi music, known for its deep, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which of these musical instruments is often used to accompany Jaipur Gharana's Kathak dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Harmonium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla is a commonly used percussion instrument that provides rhythmic accompaniment to Jaipur Gharana's Kathak dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a string instrument commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

  4. Mridangam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The sitar is a string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body. It is commonly used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a percussion instrument commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Mridangam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The tabla is a pair of hand drums commonly used in Indian classical music. It is played with the fingers and palms.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a wind instrument commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Mridangam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The shehnai is a wind instrument with a long, cylindrical body and a flared bell. It is commonly used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

Lathi Khela is often accompanied by which traditional musical instrument?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

  4. Shehnai
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The rhythmic beats of the dhol, a traditional Indian drum, often accompany Lathi Khela performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used in Indian Lounge Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Saxophone

  4. Piano
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The saxophone is a popular instrument in Indian Lounge Music, often used for its smooth and mellow sound.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music that accompanies Malkhamb performances?

  1. Tabla and harmonium

  2. Sitar and sarangi

  3. Dhol and nagada

  4. Shehnai and bansuri
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Malkhamb performances are traditionally accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the tabla and the melodic tunes of the harmonium.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent Awadhi musical instrument known for its distinctive sound and use in traditional Awadhi music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

  4. Harmonium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Sarangi is a prominent Awadhi musical instrument known for its distinctive sound and use in traditional Awadhi music.

Multiple choice

The traditional musical instrument of the Mishing tribe is:

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Flute

  4. Dhol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Mishing tribe of Assam is known for its traditional flute, which is played during festivals and ceremonies.

Multiple choice

The traditional musical instrument of the Santhal tribe is:

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Flute

  4. Dhol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Santhal tribe of Jharkhand and West Bengal uses the Dhol, a traditional drum, during festivals and ceremonies.